Aspen, Colorado – December 1, 2011 – The City of Aspen has named Board of Adjustment volunteer Charlie Paterson it’s Volunteer of the Year. The City has 13 various boards all populated by citizen volunteers who dedicate countless hours to civic engagement. Every year the City takes nominations from staff and citizens for a volunteer of the year. This year’s winner, Charlie Paterson has the distinct honor of being the longest serving citizen volunteer in Aspen history. He has served on the Board of Adjustments for 40 years. In addition he has served as the Board’s Chairman for 10 years.

At a ceremony honoring Paterson last night Mayor Mick Ireland said, “Charlie typifies the best Aspen has to offer in dedication, compassion and volunteer service.”

Over the four decades he has served on the Board of Adjustments, the board has reviewed 566 different land use cases in Aspen. A former apprentice to famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Charlie has lent his expertise in decisions that have affected approximately one quarter of all the properties in Aspen.

Paterson has made other contributions to the City, primarily the construction and operation of the Boomerang Lodge with his wife Fonda. In 2001 he received an award from the Historic Preservation Commission for his personal contributions to Aspen architecture, including the design of the Boomerang.

Amy Guthrie, the City’s Historic Preservation Officer nominated Paterson. She says, “The City has been very fortunate to have an architect of Charlie’s talent involved in discussions that shape Aspen. As a resident since 1949, Charlie brings an understanding and appreciation for the long standing values of Aspen that few people can match.”

The Board of Adjustment hears variance requests from the dimensional standards of the land use code